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A new tougher Ofsted framework was introduced in January to stop weak head teachers from bumping up their overall ratings by concentrating on areas such as pupil well-being, spiritual development and community cohesion.

Following Coalition reforms, schools are now judged on only four key areas – teaching, pupil results, behaviour and leadership.

Education Secretary Michael Gove believes the framework allows inspectors to concentrate on what matters as they can spend more time in classrooms observing teaching and learning, with a focus on reading and behaviour.

Short-notice inspections have been launched this term, with head teachers only notified by telephone the afternoon before

Ofsted said yesterday that the trends are partly down to more frequent visits to under-performing schools, as outstanding schools are no longer subject to regular inspections unless concerns are raised.

But it said the rise in numbers of 'inadequate' schools is also attributable to its new framework that focuses more on 'teaching and learning'.

Schools were previously judged against more than 20 politically correct targets such as their promotion of 'healthy lifestyles'.

Head teachers rated themselves by filling in self-evaluation forms but some used buzz-words to impress inspectors and traded copies of the forms online for as little as £1.99.

Sir Michael Wilshaw, the new chief of Ofsted, ushered in a further raft of reforms earlier this month to 'raise the bar'.

Schools which were judged 'satisfactory' before September will not automatically fall into the new 'requires improvement' category.

However they will be re-inspected by the end of the academic year 2013/14, when they will be expected to have raised their game.

Short-notice inspections have also been launched this term, with head teachers only notified by telephone the afternoon before.

Schools will only be judged 'outstanding' for outstanding teaching, whereas they could previously have gained it by scoring well on pupil behaviour or leadership.

Speaking earlier this month, Sir Michael said: 'We know inspections are crucial in driving better performance. Showing the need for improvement is often the spur that brings about change.'